How to Build Loft Bunk Bed

Bunk beds are a great way to save space and still have an extra bed.

Bunk beds are a classic way to provide a personal space for each child in a smaller-sized bedroom. Separate sleeping areas give each child a sense of privacy while still saving the floor space. Before considering bunk beds, think about who will be using them the most. While kids are agile, bunk beds may not be the best choice for the family when visiting from out of town. Also, be sure the person in the top bunk is capable of climbing up and down the ladder.

Things You'll Need

• 8 boards, 1-by-3-inch, 63-inches long (legs)
• 12 boards, 1-by-4-inch, 37 ½ inches long (side slats)
• Drill with counter sink bit
• 1 box of 2-inch wood screws
• Straight edge
• Pencil
• Carpenter square
• 8 boards, 1-by-4-inch, 80 ½ inches long (back and front slats)
• 1 box of 1 ¼ inch screws
• 4 boards, 2-by-2-inch, 75 inches long (cleats)
• 1 board, 1-by-3-inch, 55 inches long (ladder)
• 2 boards, 1-by-3-inch, 19 inches long (ladder rungs)
• 2 boards, 1-by-4 boards, 63 inches long (front slats)
• 34 boards, 1-by-3 boards, 39 inches long (bed slats)
• Wood putty
• Sander
• Paint or stain

Instructions

1. Place the 1-by-3-inch boards side by side on the work surface. Measure 7/8 of an inch from the right side of the board and draw a line down the length of each board. Flip the boards over and repeat on the other side.

2. Measure from the top edge down 6 ½ inches and make a mark on the center line, measure down 13 inches and make another mark on the center line. From the bottom up, measure 11 ½ inches, 18 inches and 24 ½ inches and make a mark at each of these measurements on the center line. Transfer the measurements to each board. These measurements are the location of each side rail.

3. Set one 63-inch leg on its side and line one 1-by-4-inch board perpendicular with the top edge of the board. Use the countersink bit to drill two screws through the leg into the side slat. Line the other leg with the opposite end and screw in two more screws. Repeat for each slat, lining up the top edge of the boards with the measurements marked on the center line of the legs. These are your two end pieces.

4. Place two 1-by-3 inch boards, 63 inches long, face down on the work surface. Line one 80 ½ inch board perpendicular to the top of the 63 inch board line the edges up and attach with two screws through the side slat into the leg. Move to the opposite edge and repeat with the other leg. Repeat at each measurement to attach the back rails. Screw one of the 75-inch long cleats to the inside of the 80 ½ inch slat, level with the bottom of the slat. Install the other cleat level to the bottom slat installed at 11 1/2 inches.

5. Set the two side pieces on their sides with the slats facing the outside. Line one 80 ½-inch slat at the 13-inch mark for the top slat, and for the bottom at the 11 ½-inch mark. Attach both of these with two 1/14-inch screws into each end. Screw one the 75-inch long cleats into the backside of each of the 80 ½-inch slats level to the bottom of each slat. This is the front piece.

6. Place the 55-inch board perpendicular to the bottom slat of the front piece, flush with the bottom of the slat, 16 ½ inches from the left side of the bed. This is part of the ladder. Attach it to the slats with four 1 ¼-inch screws into each slat. Measure down from the 80 ½ inch slat ten inches and make a line, and measure up from the bottom 80 ½ inch board ten inches and make another line. Attach the two 19-inch 1-by-3 boards at these marks with 1 ¼-inch screws.

7. Place one 1-by-4-inch board that is 63 inches long perpendicular to the top right leg and attach with 1 ¼-inch screws. Measure down from the top to the 6 ½-inch mark and attach the other 1-by-4 with screws.

8. Attach the back piece to the side pieces with screws. Screw from the inside of the side pieces outwards into the back piece.

9. Lay the slats on the cleats on the inside of the bed if not using a box spring. Screw through the slat into the cleat with one 1 ¼-inch screw.

10. Fill the screw holes with wood putty and allow to dry. Sand the beds and paint or stain as desired.

References

• Ana White: Classic Bunk Beds
• DLTK Kids: D, L, T & K Build a Bunk Bed
• Shopping Match Maker: Free Bunk Bed Building Plans

Resources

• Bunk Beds Central: Free Bunk Bed Plans
• Canadian Home Workshop: Project: Bunk Bed